Moving ferret ouside

Question
I have a few ferret questions for former/present ferret owners. My husband is building a large cage about 6 foot high with 3 different levels, is it okay to keep my ferret outside in the cage? Her cage will be in the shaded wooded backyard by the house. Last question is, my husband and I want to get her a playmate. She is fixed, do female ferrets get along with both sexes? p.s the reason for the ferret being moved is because my cat is pregnant and the ferret usually runs the house with the cat, i am afraid for the new kittens when they are born. We have a small cage indoors but it seems mean to keep her in such a small area when she is used to running free. Her new home will be huge. Thank you for any help, I don't know where else to turn on this.

Answer
Hello,
thanks for your questions/
Let me answer the second question first. Female ferrets can get along with both sexes fine, in the same way cats can. But I would get the second ferret as young as possible.
I have heard of ferrets living outside, but I personally cannot say I recommend it. They are sensitive to changes in weather,and cannot tolerate extremes, especially the heat.
I cannot think of a way to keep the cage protected from the elements such as severe rain, or severe heat, which could easily spell disaster. That is also not taking into consideration the potential of theft, death by a wild animal such as a stray dog, etc., or the most likely scenario, escape. Ferrets can EASILY loosen wire from wood if they work on it long enough.
I am not sure of your living situation, if you would be able to put momma cat and babies in a non-accessible room, for instance, a laundry room, or spare bed room, and put up a baby gate to keep the ferret(s) out while the kittens are small. Once the kittens get old enough, they can play with the ferrets without any trouble.
I hope you can work it out. Thanks again for you question.
amy